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How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Name of Unit: How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving
Commitment To Allah?
Faith: Islam
Key Stage in Which This Unit Should Be Taught: Key Stage 1or Key Stage 2. Recommended Year Group (if specified):
Previous Learning: This unit complements the other unit on Islam: What does it Mean To Be a Muslim?
That unit may have been taught previously depending on where each unit is placed in the school’s Curriculum Map for RE.
AT 1 Learning About Religion.
Focus: Practices and ways of life.
AT 2 Learning From Religion.
Focus: Values and commitments.
What This Unit Teaches:
The Importance of the 5 Pillars of Islam for Muslims and the commitment to Allah
that they give:
The Shahadah: The call to faith;
Salah: The role prayer plays in a Muslim’s life;
Zakat: Giving to charity;
Sawm: Fasting;
Hajj: The importance of pilgrimage.
Ramadan; The festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
Key RE Vocabulary:
Islam, Muslim, religion, faith, commitment, Allah, God, The Five Pillars of Islam:
The Shahadah, Salah, Sawm, Zakat, Hajj; Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul Adha, Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh,) Wudu, pilgrimage, pilgrim, Mecca, Kaaba, prayer mat, Islamic
compass, values, holy.
Cross - Curricular Links:
Literacy; art and design; numeracy; geography; personal, social and health education;
citizenship.
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development:
Appreciation of what having a religious commitment means;
Opportunities for reflection;
Understanding of living by values;
Listening to the views of others;
Collaborative learning opportunities;
Developing understanding of and respect for a local and world faith.
Points To Note:
This unit should be taught at the time of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr and / or Hajj and
Eid-ul-Adha.
If the half term is longer than 6 weeks, it would be good to include, in addition to
the 6 lessons in this unit, additional lessons for the extra weeks teaching in greater
depth about the festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr and / or Eid-ul-Adha.
Sensitivities:
Respectful use of names and religious artefacts;
Respect for children and adults of the Muslim faith, especially during discussions
around commitment;
Sensitivity towards the activities that Muslims are not permitted to take part in
when planning learning activities as part of this unit.
Possible Further Thinking and Extension Activities:
Greater in-depth study of Ramadan and the festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
Future Learning: Islam within the thematic units of:
The Journey of Life and Death; Understanding Faith In . . . ; Who Decides?
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Learning Objectives AT1 AT2 Suggested Teaching Activities Points To Note
Lesson 1
Pupils should:
Understand that
commitment is part of
living as a practising
believer;
(AT1)
Know what commitment
means and be able to
identify things that they
are committed to.
(AT2)
What Does It Mean To Make a Commitment?
Introduction:
Introduce the word ‘commitment’ and ask the pupils what it means?
K.S 1: Whole class activity;
K.S 2: In groups:
Divide a number of statements into 2 categories: “Requires commitment”
“Doesn’t require commitment”
e.g.: Training to be a sportsperson, learning a new skill, someone visiting a
sick relative once every week, going out with friends, planning a holiday with
friends, going to a place of worship every week, praying, etc.
Elicit the following: To show commitment you need to do something on a
regular basis and by demonstrating loyalty, hard work and belief in what you
are doing.
Main Part of The Lesson:
Key Question: Is it always easy to keep to a commitment? Why? / Why not?
When might it be difficult to show commitment?
i.e. alternatives that seem better at the time come up, etc.
Pupils to share in groups or as a whole class how they show commitment in
their lives. Why do they make these commitments? How do they live their
commitment(s) out? What do they gain from being committed in this / these
ways?
Ask the pupils to each consider who shows commitment to them? / The
school? How and why?
This lesson can serve as an
initial assessment tool to
establish what the pupils
already know about
commitment within a faith.
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Activity:
Create and record a recipe for making the best ‘commitment desert.’
(Ensure pupils understand what a recipe is and how it works!)
Have a prior discussion as a class as to what makes commitment, and what
some of the ingredients of their commitment desert might consist of.
K.S 1: Identify 5 ingredients from their recipe which they think are the most
important and why.
K.S 2: 5 ingredients only allowed. Pupils have to identify which ingredient is
the most important and give reasons for their choice.
Plenary:
KS 1: Class discussion;
KS 2: Individual mind map.
Share the concept of commitment in faith.
How might a believer show commitment to their faith?
Why does a believer have commitment to their faith?
Discuss the commonality of commitment in faiths.
By being committed to a religion, what might this give to followers of that
faith?
How might a Muslim show commitment to their faith?
By being committed to the religion of Islam, what might this give to followers
of that faith, Muslims?
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Learning Objectives AT1 AT2 Suggested Teaching Activities Points To Note
Lesson 2
Pupils should:
KS1:
Understand that having a
faith leads people to act in
certain ways;
(AT1)
Be able to share in times
of quiet and stillness and
recognise the need for
time to be quiet and
reflective.
(AT2)
KS2:
Describe how religious
practice shapes the lives
and worship of believers;
(AT1)
Explain how silence and
stillness may aid reflection
and prayer;
Share about places, times
and conditions that are
How Might a Muslim Show Their Commitment To Allah
Through The First Two Pillars of Islam?
Introduction:
Recap with pupils learning from the previous lesson about commitment,
particularly about commitment in faith.
Main Part of The Lesson:
Encourage the children to think about pillars of a building, i.e. of a mosque,
church or temple, etc. Discuss the purpose of the pillars and the role and
function that they fulfil, particularly to the building.
Introduce the pupils to the idea of pillars of Islam. Discuss the role and
function of them.
Briefly introduce the pupils to the five pillars of Islam:
The Shahada,
Salat,
Zakat,
Sawm,
Hajj.
Make children aware that there are five religious duties expected of every
Muslim. The foci in this lesson are the first two pillars of Islam:
The Shahada, (daily confession of faith)
and Salat, (the ritual of praying five times a day.)
The Shahada:
Explain to the pupils that Muslims have a profession of faith which expresses
two simple but core beliefs that makes one a Muslim.
These are expressed in The Shahadah:
Background Information
The five pillars of Islam are
the five religious duties
expected of every Muslim.
The five pillars are mentioned
individually throughout the
Quran and they are listed
together in the Hadith when
Muhammad (pbuh) was asked
to define Islam.
Within a few decades of
Muhammad's (pbuh) death,
the five practices were
singled out to serve as
anchoring points in the
Muslim community and
designated ‘pillars.’
Fulfillment of the five pillars is
believed to bring rewards
both in this life and in the
afterlife.
The pillars are acknowledged
and observed by all sects of
Muslims, including the largest
sect of Sunni Islam, although
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
conducive to reflection
and, (if appropriate) prayer
in their life.
(AT2)
“There is no god but Allah and Muhammad (pbuh) is the messenger of Allah.”
What does The Shahadah mean? Why is it important for Muslims? How do
Muslims express The Shahadah regularly? By expressing the beliefs of it, what
are Muslims doing? How does following The Shahadah enable a Muslim to give
commitment to Allah?
Salat:
Begin with ‘Odd One Out:’
Show pupils a number of objects and see if they can identify which one is the
odd one out and explain why.
Prayer mat,
Compass,
Mosque,
Water.
(Answer = mosque.
Aim of the exercise is for pupils to identify that for a Muslim, prayer can take
place anywhere and particularly at set times.
It does not require people to always go to a mosque.
Men are encouraged to pray in congregation – go to the mosque.
Women do not have to pray in congregation.
Lunch time prayer on a Friday is the main prayer of the week for men.)
Before any prayer Wudu must be performed.
A trip to the local mosque to see this in action or invite a Muslim visitor in to
demonstrate wudu would be a good possibility.
Alternatively pupils to watch a video clip of a Muslim preparing for prayer:
Hands - 3 times – always start “In the name of Allah”;
Mouth - Cleaned 3 times;
Nose - Water is breathed in gently through the nose 3 times;
Shias add further obligatory
duties, including: jihad,
payment of the imam's tax,
the encouragement of good
deeds and the prevention of
evil.
The five pillars of Islam are:
The Shahada (Daily
confession of faith);
The Shahada is the first of the
five pillars. Shahada is the
Muslim profession of faith,
expressing the two simple,
fundamental beliefs that make
one a Muslim:
“La ilaha illa Allah wa-
Muhammad rasul Allah.”
‘There is no god but Allah
and Muhammad (pbuh) is the
messenger of Allah’;
Salat (Daily ritual prayer);
The second of the five pillars
is called Salat, Muslim prayer.
Salah means formal worship
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Face - The whole of the face must be washed at least once and is often done
3 times;
Right arm - The arm is washed right up until the elbow and this is done 3
times;
Left arm - same as the right;
Hair - Water is passed through the hair – this is done only once, but is
compulsory;
Ears - The back and inside of the ears are wiped;
Right foot - Washed up to ankle 3 times – compulsory;
Left foot – washed up to ankle – 3 times.
Wudu does not need to be performed before every prayer but is
recommended. However it must be performed before prayer if any of the
following has taken place: after going to the toilet, passing wind, contact with
excrement, vomiting, falling asleep, taking intoxicating substances and / or
bleeding heavily.
The prayer itself:
A trip to the local mosque to observe this in action would be beneficial.
Alternatively watch a video clip of Muslims praying.
Takbir: – preparing for prayer.
Entering the state of prayer by glorifying Allah. Muslims face towards Mecca.
They begin the prayer by saying, “Allahu Akbar” – God is great.
Qioyaam: – seeking God’s protection.
Followed by first chapter of the Qur’an and other chapters.
Ruku: – means to bow.
Muslims say 3 times, “Glory be to God the most great.”
Brief Qiyaam: – Acknowledging God’s greatness.
Muslims recite, “God listens to the one who praises Him.”
in Islam.
Salah consists of the
repetition of a unit called
rak’ah – prescribed actions
and words.
Salah is obligatory for all
Muslims unless they are
prepubescent, elderly, sick,
frail, disabled, menstruating,
pregnant or travelling on a
long journey.
5 times a day;
Fajr - near dawn;
Dhuhr or Zuhr – after
midday;
Asr – in the afternoon;
Maghrib – just after sunset;
Isha – around nightfall.
The purpose of prayer - To
communicate with God -
reminds Muslims to give
thanks for Allah’s blessing and
that submission to Allah takes
precedence over all other
concerns.
Men are encouraged to pray
in congregation – go to the
mosque.
Women do not have to pray
in congregation.
Lunch time prayer on a Friday
is the main prayer of the
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
“Allahu Akbar” is recited again.
Sujad: – Acknowledging God’s greatness.
Means to prostrate.
Muslims repeat 3 times, “Glory be to God, the Most High.”
Brief sitting: – Time of silence.
“God is great.”
Muslims pause here for a few seconds, either staying silent, or reciting a
shorter prayer.
“God is great” is recited once more.
Sujad.
As before.
Tashahhud: – Asking for peace and forgiveness.
“God is great.”
Then Muslims return to the sitting position.
They recite a number of short prayers in Arabic, praising God and sending
peace to the Prophet. They ask for God to bestow blessings and peace upon
Prophet Abraham and his family and ask for the same for Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh.)
Finally, Muslims ask for forgiveness and mercy and ask God to bless them and
their children until the day of judgement.
Peace To The Right: – Asking for peace.
The prayer ends by Muslims first turning to the right saying “Peace be upon
you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.”
This is said to the Angels who Muslims believe accompany each human being
to record their actions.
Peace To The Left: – Asking for peace.
The same is repeated – Muslims believe the Angel on the right side records
week for men.
Resources:
Wudu
How Muslims prepare for
prayer video clips:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning
zone/clips/preparations-for-
prayer-wudu/5957.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning
zone/clips/salah-muslim-
prayer/3056.html
Prayer in the Mosque video
clips:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning
zone/clips/praying-at-the-
mosque/487.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning
zone/clips/friday-prayer-at-
the- mosque/488.html
More Background
Information Zakat:
Zakat is the third Pillar of
Islam. It is the compulsory
giving of a set proportion of
one's wealth to charity. It is
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
all good actions and thoughts while the one on the left records all bad
actions.
Why is Salat so important for a Muslim to follow?
Why do they carry out Salat and all the rituals that are associated with it?
For a Muslim, praying five times a day is important and reminds them of God’s
greatness, forgiveness and peace.
Activity:
KS1:
Sequence a set of pictures in order related to Wudu.
Sequence a set of pictures in order relating to the prayer.
Record observations about Salat.
Key Question: What impact might praying five times a day have on a
Muslim’s life?
KS2:
Working in groups: Pupils are given a selection of statements / pictures of
things people of other faiths may do as part of their prayer life.
e.g.:
Christianity: Lighting of candles, kneeling in silence, going to church and
receiving the sacraments, praying as part of a small group, attending
confession, etc.;
Hinduism: Standing in front of a shrine at home and in the temple, carrying
out puja, offering a gift in the form of food to the deity, etc.;
Sikhism: Attending the Gurdwara and praying, etc.;
Key Question: What is similar with Islam and other faiths
and what is different and distinct about the Muslim way of praying?
Share the common thread running between all faiths: Silence / reverence /
stillness, etc.
What does Salat mean? Why is it important for Muslims? How do Muslims
regarded as a type of worship
and of self-purification;
Sawm (Fasting during the
month of Ramadan);
Sawm (also siyam,) fasting,
commemorates the
revelation of the Quran to
humanity during Ramadan,
the ninth month of the
Islamic year.
During Ramadan, all adult
Muslims are required to
abstain from food, drink and
sexual intercourse during
daylight hours.
Exceptions are made for
travellers, soldiers, the ill and
menstruating women,
although such people are
expected to fast later when
they become able;
Hajj (Pilgrimage to
Mecca);
At least once in his or her
lifetime, each Muslim is
expected to undertake a
pilgrimage to Mecca, the
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
carry out Salat regularly? By carrying it out, what are Muslims doing? How
does doing Salat enable a Muslim to give commitment to Allah?
How is this similar or different to your own experience of prayer?
Pupils to discuss and record their observations and thoughts.
Plenary:
KS1:
A time of silence. Pupils to sit in circle (a candle could be lit for reflection
time) and lead pupils through a reflection time thinking about The Shahadah
and Salat and their importance to Muslims in showing commitment in their
faith.
Reflect also about the need for time to be quiet and reflective.
Discuss first and then have a period of silence when the things discussed can
be remembered in the silence.
KS2:
Class discussion: A choice of questions:
Why is silence so important for prayer?
How can silence and stillness aid reflection and prayer?
How might praying five times a day affect a Muslim’s daily life? When
would it be easiest / hardest?
Does praying five times a day draw a Muslim closer to God than a Muslim
that doesn’t pray five times a day?
What places, times and conditions have been conducive to reflection and,
(if appropriate) prayer in your life?
A time of silence. Pupils to sit in circle (a candle could be lit for reflection
time) and lead pupils through a reflection time drawing out the common
threads between faiths in relation to prayer and commitment to God.
sacred city of Islam. In Arabic
this holy journey is called the
Hajj.
While a visit to Mecca is
beneficial at any time of the
year, the Hajj must take place
during the month of Dhu al-
Hijja, (the last month of the
Islamic year,) to fulfill the
requirements of the Hajj.
More Resources:
BBC – Religion and Ethics
www.bbc.co.uk/
RM Learning Alive
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Learning Objectives AT1 AT2 Suggested Teaching Activities Points To Note
Lesson 3
Pupils should:
KS1:
Know that beliefs can
cause people to act in
certain ways;
(AT1)
Understand why it is
important to give to
others.
(AT2)
KS2:
Recognise the link
between faith and action in
individuals and in groups
of believers;
(AT1)
Recognise the links
between beliefs and action
in their own life.
(AT2)
How Does Giving Zakat Show Commitment To Allah?
Introduction.
Discuss with pupils about giving to others.
In what ways do we give to others? Why do we give?
Do we give all that we can / all that we should?
What makes the giving valuable?
Who has given to us? What have they given? Why do we think that they gave
to us? What influences people to give?
Main Part of The Lesson:
Discuss with the pupils that there are rules and encouragement to give in
many religions. One of the things that believers are asked to give is money.
Do the pupils know of any examples where this happens in any religions?
Introduce the idea that this is very important in Islam.
Watch video clip 3292 – Muslims and charity - BBC Learning Clips online.
Discuss the learning from the video with the pupils.
Giving is really important. Explain the importance of putting others before
ourselves.
Activity:
KS1:
It is not only money that we can give to others, but our time and
commitment.
Pupils to cook cakes / biscuits and run a cake sale for a chosen charity.
KS2:
Pupils to consider why they think Muslims are required to give 2.5% to
charity.
Background Information
Zakat:
Zakat is the third pillar of
Islam. It is the compulsory
giving of a set proportion of
one's wealth to charity. It is
regarded as a type of worship
and of self-purification.
Zakat does not just refer to
charitable gifts given out of
kindness or generosity, but to
the systematic giving of 2.5%
of one's wealth each year to
benefit the poor.
The benefits of Zakat, apart
from helping the poor, are as
follows:
Obeying Allah;
Helping a person
acknowledge that
everything comes from
Allah on loan and that we
do not really own
anything ourselves and
since we cannot take
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Key Questions:
Should Muslims have a choice about how much money to give or not
give?
How does giving money show commitment to Allah / God?
It is not only Muslims that give to charity, so what is it about Muslims
giving to charity that makes them a ‘good’ Muslim?
For aspects to draw out in discussion, refer to the benefits of Zakat listed in
the Points To Note section.
In groups, pupils plan and carry out a fundraising event for a charity of their
choice.
Plenary:
How does giving money away help someone to be a good Muslim?
Is it always possible for everyone to give 2.5% to the poor?
Why is it important to give to others?
How do Muslims put their faith into action through following this pillar of
Islam?
How do people of other faiths link their faith by their actions?
What have we learnt from preparing our cakes / by preparing for a
fundraising event for our chosen charity?
What have you learnt about giving to others and about yourself?
anything with us when we
die, we need not cling to
it;
Acknowledging that
whether we are rich or
poor is Allah's choice, so
we should help those he
has chosen to make poor;
Learning self-discipline;
Freeing oneself from the
love of possessions and
greed;
Freeing oneself from the
love of money;
Freeing oneself from love
of oneself;
Behaving honestly.
The 2.5% rate only applies to
cash, gold, silver and
commercial items. There are
other rates for farm and
mining produce and for
animals.
Resources:
Video clip 3292 –
Muslims and Charity
- BBC learning clips
online
- www.bbc.co.uk/
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Learning Objectives AT1 AT2 Suggested Teaching Activities Points To Note
Lesson 4
Pupils should:
KS1:
Describe how religious
practice and traditions
shape the lives and
worship of Muslims;
(AT1)
Understand how a
religious belief affects the
way someone behaves.
(AT2)
KS2:
Explain and compare the
impact of faith on
individuals and on the
community.
(AT1)
Offer insights into the faith
and religious commitment
of others.
(AT2)
How Does Sawm Show Commitment To Allah?
Introduction:
Introduce the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.
Main Part of The Lesson:
Key Question: How do Muslims show commitment to God during Ramadan?
Listen to a personal account from a Muslim or watch a video clip of fasting
during Ramadan.
Video clip: Clip 3053: Fasting during Ramadan
– BBC Learning Clips online.
Discuss the importance of Sawm, the fasting that Muslims undertake during
the month of Ramadan.
Talk about who is called to fast – children who have reached puberty and all
adults who are well. Women do not fast during their menstrual cycle.
Draw out, in particular, why Muslims fast, who Muslims are remembering
when they fast and how, through thinking about the poor, they are showing
their commitment to Allah to put others first. Muslims are learning self-
discipline and, through self-will, that Allah is stronger than themselves.
Share about Iftar, the breaking of the fast each evening.
Discuss how many Muslims share Evening Prayer and Iftar at the mosque each
evening during Ramadan and how this builds up the Muslim community
together through Ramadan.
Show some pictures / video clips of a whole range of people who are poor:
think about poverty in the broadest sense – no food, no money, no shelter,
Background Information
Sawm is fasting. It is the
fourth of the five pillars of Islam.
Muslims are required to fast
during the holy month of
Ramadan, the ninth month of
the Islamic calendar.
During the 29 or 30 days of
Ramadan, all adult Muslims
must give up the following
things during the hours of
daylight:
Food or drink of any sort;
Smoking, including passive
smoking;
Sexual activity.
Muslims who are physically or
mentally unwell may be
excused some of these, as
will those who are under
twelve years old, the very
old, those who are pregnant,
breast-feeding, menstruating
or travelling.
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
people who are alone, children alone, etc.
Gather pupils’ thoughts, questions and responses to the images.
This could also be a P4C lesson and turned into the main activity.
Explain that Muslims fast to remember the poor and those that have very
little. By experiencing fasting they can experience some of what it is like to be
hungry and in poverty.
Activity.
Imagine that you are a Muslim and write a diary entry for a day and night in
Ramadan, describing the experience of undertaking Saum.
Encourage pupils to describe what is and is not going on as well as how the
Muslim that they are writing as may be thinking inwardly, reflecting on their
faith and commitment.
Plenary.
KS1:
Flash card up a number of different people and answer the question Do you
think this person has to fast? If so, why? If not, why not?
Pupils write a statement:
“If I fasted, I would like to remember…………………because……………..”
Put pupils’ statements into a special box entitled ‘People we remember when
we fast’ and place box in the class Reflective Area. This could then be used at
an act of Collective Worship later in the week.
KS2:
Pupils to share a response giving reasons for their answer:
“Sawm shows a Muslim is committed to Allah because……….….”
What can non-Muslims learn from Sawm?
How could humanity put some of that learning into practice daily?
Class to write statements together that they are going to commit to as a class
in the light of their learning.
If an adult does not fast for
the reasons above, they
should try to make up the
fast at a later date or make a
donation to the poor instead.
Muslims do not only abstain
from physical things during
Ramadan. They are also
expected to do their best to
avoid evil thoughts and deeds
as well.
Eating in Ramadan:
During Ramadan, many
Muslims will try to eat a large
meal called Suhur just before
dawn.
When daylight is over, most
Muslims will break or open
the fast with dates or water,
following the example of the
Prophet Muhammad, (pbuh)
before having a proper meal
later.
Iftar and the evening meals
during Ramadan are
occasions for family and
community get-togethers.
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
e.g: only eating what is necessary, not to be greedy, looking out for the poor,
sharing with others what we have, etc.
There are many good reasons
for this fast, including:
Obeying Allah;
Learning self-discipline;
Appreciating Allah's gifts;
Giving thanks for the
Holy Qur'an, which was
first revealed in the
month of Ramadan;
Sharing the sufferings of
the poor and developing
sympathy for them;
Realising the value of
charity and generosity;
Sharing fellowship with
other Muslims;
Becoming spiritually
stronger.
Eid ul-Fitr.
The month of Ramadan ends
with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.
This is a time for Muslims to
celebrate the end of Ramadan
and to thank Allah for the
strength that he has given
them through Ramadan and
to give thanks for the ways in
which their commitment of
Saum has enabled them to
grow in their faith.
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
The festival is marked by
dressing up in new / special
clothes, visiting the mosque
for prayer, gathering together
as a community and with
visits to family and friends for
celebratory meals.
Resources:
Video clip: Clip 3053:
Fasting during Ramadan –
BBC learning clips online,
www.bbc.co.uk/
Sensitivities:
Be sensitive to class needs
when discussing poverty.
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Learning Objectives AT1 AT2 Suggested Teaching Activities Points To Note
Lesson 5
Pupils should:
KS1:
Recognise the link
between faith and action in
individuals and in groups
of believers;
(AT1)
Say what is important to
them.
(AT1)
KS2:
Explain the impact of faith
on individuals;
(AT1)
Explain what is important
to them.
(AT2)
How does Hajj Show Commitment To Allah?
Introduction:
Circle Time: Discuss going on a special journey.
Have you ever been on a special journey? When? Where? Why? With
whom? What made it special? How has it affected them?
Main Part Of The Lesson:
Have a suitcase to show the pupils.
Before opening it, ask the pupils what they took with them on their special
journeys and why?
Open the mystery suitcase.
Inside it are the items needed for Hajj: Hajj robes, map of Mecca, Qur’an,
small stones, spring water, umbrella, picture of The Kaaba - the Grand
Mosque in Mecca.
Ask the pupils what they think the items are? What are they for?
Explain that these items are all items needed for The Hajj. Explain what The
Hajj is.
Invite a Muslim visitor who has been on Hajj in to school to come and
share with the class their experience and memories of going on The
Hajj and how going on Hajj has impacted on their life. Alternatively use video clips to watch an extract from Hajj and begin to make
links between what they are seeing and the mystery suitcase / objects.
Recap the key events of Hajj that take place on each day of the pilgrimage and
why they take place.
Background Information
The Hajj - (Pilgrimage to
Mecca).
At least once in his or her
lifetime, each Muslim is
expected to undertake a
pilgrimage to Mecca, the
sacred city of Islam. This holy
journey is called The Hajj in
Arabic.
While a visit to Mecca is
beneficial any time of the
year, the pilgrimage to Mecca
must take place during the
month of Dhu al-Hijja, (the
last month of the Islamic
year,) to fulfill the
requirements of The Hajj.
Eid-ul-Adha is the festival that
takes place at the end of Hajj.
The pilgrims of The Hajj
celebrate this time with their
family and friends and the
wider Muslim community
back home.
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Video clips could be used as a backdrop for experiential learning in RE where
pupils role play being a Muslim on The Hajj.
Key Question: Why do Muslims make this pilgrimage?
In the context of Hajj, how does faith impact upon Muslims?
Activity:
KS1:
Key Question: Does completing Hajj make a person a better Muslim? Why?
Pupils to vote and then work in Talk Partners with opposing viewpoints and
share their reasons.
or
Draw three things that are important to Muslims when they go on Hajj and
explain why, e.g. places, clothes, rituals, etc.
Complete 3 thought bubbles to reflect on the question:
How would Muslims feel on The Hajj?
KS2:
Written Response: If you were going on a sacred journey where
would you go and why?
What would you plan to do on it and why? What would you hope would be
the lasting impact on you?
or
On one of the main days of The Hajj, Muslims visit The Plain of Arafat
showing The Mount of Mercy.
Muslims travel to The Mount of Arafat. Here they sleep under the stars in
the open air. The mountain is known as The Mount of Mercy – compassion.
Muslim men will shave their heads and a sacrifice is made – often the killing of
a ram. The meat is given to the poor.
Imagine you are a Muslim at The Mount of Arafat asking for Allah’s
forgiveness. What would be your prayer? Write the prayer that a Muslim
might make
Resources:
Video clip to watch an
extract from The Hajj:
www.bbc.co.uk/learning
zone/clips/hajj-pilgrimage-at-
mecca/6236.html
Further clips to support the
teaching about Hajj:
Day 1of Hajj:
www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/
clips/hajj-day-one/3258.html
Day 2 of Hajj:
www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/
clips/hajj-day-two/3259.html
Day 3 of Hajj:
www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/
clips/hajj-day-three/3261.html
BBC Active Whiteboard:
Religious Education.
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
or
Write a poem / song that expresses the pain and hurt in the world
or
Create a dance that expresses the pain and hurt in the world.
Plenary:
Reflect on what Hajj means for the pilgrims and how undertaking The Hajj
shows commitment from a Muslim to Allah.
Reflect on and share responses to the statement:
“My special place is……….…….because………….”
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Learning Objectives AT1 AT2 Suggested Teaching Activities Points To Note
Lesson 6
Pupils should:
KS1:
Describe some of the things
that are the same and
different for religious people
about giving commitment;
(AT1)
Link things that are
important to them and other
people with the way they
think and behave.
(AT2)
KS2:
Describe why people belong
to Islam or other religions
and explain how similarities
and differences within and
between Islam and other
religions can make a
difference to the lives of
individuals and communities;
(AT1)
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith
By Giving Commitment To Allah?
Introduction:
Explain that this lesson focuses on what have we
learnt throughout the teaching unit.
Main Part of The Lesson:
Remind pupils of the title of this unit, the enquiry
question is also the key question for this lesson.
KS1:
Taking each of the pillars of Islam, pupils create a mind
map of all the things they have learnt about each pillar.
Ask the pupils to think about if and how each pillar is
similar and / or different to how followers of other
religions give commitment in their faith.
Encourage the pupils to complete their work with a
personal perspective reflecting on what is important
to them and guides them in the way that they think
and behave in their lives.
Alternatively this can be in groups.
If done as a group, the groups can move around
adding to the group mind map for each pillar.
KS2:
Divide the class into 5 groups, one group for each
pillar of Islam:
The Shahada;
Evaluation of the unit:
This is a good opportunity to assess what the
children have learnt.
Ensure that the Learning Objectives are clearly
understood by the pupils so that they can address
them in their work as Success Criteria for their
learning.
KS2.
At the end of this teaching unit, from what they
have learnt, pupils could add to the mind map that
they began in Lesson 1. It would be effective to
add these additions in a different colour from the
initial statements so as to show progress in
learning.
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
Ask questions about things
that are important to them
and other people and
suggest answers which relate
to their own and others’
lives.
(AT2)
Salat;
Zakat;
Sawm;
The Hajj.
Drawing upon all their learning from this teaching unit,
pupils prepare a short presentation, i.e. a PowerPoint
presentation, that addresses the following question:
How does this pillar of Islam help a Muslim uphold
their faith by giving commitment to Allah?
Remind the pupils to include in their presentation: -
why a Muslim chooses to follow their faith;
what commitment entails for a Muslim;
how this commitment affects the Muslim’s life,
both individually and as part of the Muslim
community;
how this commitment is similar and different in
other faiths.
Encourage the pupils to also include a personal
perspective into if any aspects of this way of life are
important to them in the way that they live their lives.
Plenary:
KS1:
This question can either be addressed as part of a
Circle Time or as a written response.
Question: If I could only choose the pillar that I think
helps a Muslim the most to be a better Muslim, I
would choose …. because . . .
Pupils share their response with the rest of the class.
Ask pupils to reflect on what can we each learn from
this commitment for our lives?
How and Why Do Muslims Uphold Their Faith By Giving Commitment To Allah? Islam
Southwark Diocesan Syllabus for Religious Education Southwark Diocesan Board of Education
KS2:
Each group shares their pillar of Islam presentation to
the rest of the class.
Taking a continuum line, pupils stand on the line to
show how important they think each of these
practices is to helping a Muslim be a better Muslim.
Which one do the pupils think shows most
commitment to Allah? Why?
Ask the pupils to reflect on what can we each learn
from this commitment for our lives?